I was fourteen and had recently moved in with her. I had noticed her drinking beer here and there, but didn’t think much of it. My mom was the fun mom. Until she wasn’t anymore. Until she was drunk and mean and verbally abusive.

I confronted her on her drinking, naively thinking she wasn’t aware of her alcoholism and just needed an intervention.

“Mom, I think you’re an alcoholic.”

“So what.” She replied. And then she laughed.

There it was, and that was our life. So what. This was the way it was, get used to it.

I begged her to stop drinking, and I remembering saying to her several times, “If you loved us you would stop.”

I finally moved out of her house when I was seventeen. I couldn’t take being there anymore.

I judged my mom for many years, considering myself better than her. I remember making a vow that I would never be like her; I would never become an alcoholic, and I would never do anything to hurt my children the way she had hurt me.

“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2

But you know it’s interesting these vows we make, and these judgements we carry. And now that I’m a mother I can see my mom in a different light; I can see her wounds and her loneliness and not so much her cruelty.

Here is an excerpt from a post I wrote a few years ago:

I completely understand how one becomes addicted to a substance.

For me, if I were to indulge myself, that would probably be alcohol. I assume this because my mother is an alcoholic. I vowed never to be like her.

But I am.

I am like her. I’m like the her before she took the drink. I’m tired. I don’t know how to live my life. I’m overwhelmed. I love my children intensely. I have no idea, some days, how on earth I am going to parent them.

It would be easy to start with a glass of wine. A little something to numb the mundane of life.

Because I’m just so tired.

My spirit is that of a ragamuffin. I will never have it “together”…and I’ll never pretend to. In the words of Moses, I’m not eloquent of speech. I wonder why God is using me for His glory when there are so many better than I to use. But that is not really here nor there. The point is,

I’m not going to drink.

Or numb out with whatever.

I’m just going to be tired. I’m going to just walk, slowly, one day at a time as the Spirit makes me holy.

My hands are up.

All is grace.

I may not have turned to alcohol, but I did turn to another drug: the Internet.

The Internet was my escape from reality. When I was too tired, or the constant conflict between little ones got to be too much, I got online. I tuned the world around me out. So really, I’m not that much different from my mom.

Except

I’m choosing to not stay drugged. I will not let anything master me. I am free.

Yes, I have done this too, drugging myself with time on worthless internet distractions. Ironically I have been holding on so tight to being the perfect homeschooling mum that I was drowning in loneliness unless I was online. It wasn’t working for me anymore. Now I have 2 in school I am able to breathe and I can volunteer at the school so I know the mothers of the friends of my children. I can smile at jokes about missing socks instead of getting frustrated. I will bring those 2 home again soon but I have learned my lesson. I really need to reach out more. That was the best bit of advice I got from Sally’s and your book, ideas on how to reach out and not let myself drown in loneliness again. Thank you for sharing.

Best wishes
Jen in Oz

fibia

Sarah Mae, thank you for opening up and encouraging me to face the issue and realize how I affect my kids when I create my own world away from them. The Internet is an addiction for so many. Thank you, again.

Ashley

You just hit the nail on the head. I don’t think I drug myself, but every chance I get, I’m on the internet, especially the days it’s hard to be a mom. Your book is sitting in my inbox, now to read it!

Kim Lau

thank you for sharing

Jessica

absolutely love you and your honesty. Thank you.

Angie C

What a great article that I can absolutely relate to. Look forward to reading The Unwired Mom, I’ve wanted to break my internet “addiction” but so hard to do- this book is coming at the perfect time to motivate me to finally do that and be fully present in my precious boys’ lives! Thank you!

Sarah

Read and loved UnWired Mom! Thanks!

Jodi

So needed this book! Thank you!

Erin @ My Mommy World

Thanks so much for all the great giveaways this week!

jen

Great article:) thought provoking.

sarah

This article reminds me of a saying. “We judge others because they sin differently than us.” I’m not saying that spending time on the Internet is a sin but when I do it when I know I should be spending time with my kids then I know the good I should do but do not do it which then makes it a sin according to the bible. It is easy for me to overlook it though because it doesn’t look like your typical sins. Thank you for this article & bringing this topic to light.

Shayne

Great post!

Markie Ann Lamb

Love this!

C. M.

So true! Can’t wait to read both books.

CindyVanderpol

Great points made!!

Jenny Depue

Can’t wait to read The Unwired Mom!

Sarah

Thank you, Sarah. I am enjoying the book very much.

Sarah

Thanks for writing unwired, many of us needed to hear your words.

scallygirl07

I needed to read this morning, it gave me a fresh perspective on how much time I am spending on the internet while my kids are awake, and what I am taking from them when I do it. Can’t wait to dive into the new eBook.

Kelly McNamara

Wow. This hits home with me. Alcoholic parents who I vowed that I “would never be”, yet I tune out via the Internet and never think twice.

Jessica

Oh how I need this book. Thanks for sharing, Sarah Mae. Convicting, but so needed!

Maura

Thank you!

Mykiddos

Thanks so much for the insight you are sharing with us.

gommymommy

Thank you, Sarah for Doing This Give Away!

Krystal Griffin

Oh, how nice! This is a lovely giveaway!

http://www.sonyamacdesigns.com/ Sonya McCllough

The unwired mom manifesto is next RIGHT 🙂
As my bigs will both be in High School this year, they need me now, more than ever and I too believed the unspoken lie ” when they get older, they will need you less”
I will no longer used the internet to escape being present with my Big presents!

Jill Winkelman

Thank you! This has been a struggle for me too.

Cassie DeLapp

Oh this is something I am currently struggling with. Thank you for the book and these giveaways

Christine

I agree that we all have our ‘drug.’ Would love to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway.

Amy M. O’Quinn

This sounds like a very timely message! The Unwired Mom sounds like something I definitely to need to read and take to heart. Awesome give-away! Blessings, Amy O’Quinn

Paula

I am thankful I didn’t have the temptation of the internet when my children were small. It’s enough of a temptation now that they’re older. We’ve had discussions about how they will have to deal with this when they start raising a family, and how difficult it will be. Thank you for your insights, and your ebook!

Amanda

I started reading the Unwired Mom when it first came out with the thought that I didn’t struggle with overusing the Internet/computer. Boy was I wrong. Even as I type this now, my little girl is crawling to me, wanting my attention. How often this happens and I choose to continue what I’m doing instead of getting down on the floor and playing with her. That’s a problem. But it takes very little to fall into that trap because it’s easy to justify or write off, and not seemingly as “bad” as other addictions, like alcoholism or drug addiction. Thanks for sharing your experiences Sarah Mae, and encouraging me to really live my life and be present for my little girl.

Jamie andrews

Thank you for sharing your heart and showing others they aren’t alone! I would love to win this giveaway! My boys would really enjoy this book!

Linda Turske

Great post! Thanks for being transparent!

Melissa T

Read the book yesterday before my kiddos awoke & was a better Momma because of it. Thank you for your transparency & honesty!

stacia4him

Thank you for this book; even though I try so hard I fail when it comes to managing my computer time

Sarah_piecesofgrace

Having an addictive personality I relate so deeply with this post. Being a mom I relate so deeply with this post. Beinga lover of the online world I relate so deeply with this post.

Thank you for opening my eyes to the connection of these three.

Kelly

My daughter made the comment the other day “moms on the computer, like always” and it really struck a nerve with me….need to find a better balance for sure!

Jen

Thank you for your honesty. I don’t think I’d have recognized myself otherwise.

April E.

Thanks for the reminder to stay focused on being THERE with our family and not escaping, by whatever means, from the difficulties of life.

Laurie

Thanks!

Erin

Thank you for sharing from your heart!

Marty

The computer is like a time warp, isn’t it? It’s a tool that can be used to do great things but it can also be used with poor judgement and cause destruction. No wonder the Proverbs tell us to seek out wisdom above all else!

Jennifer Wilson Millett

I am absolutely loving the book so far. It has really spoken to me and I can apply it as much to my phone as to the computer. Thank you for being so open and real.

Danielle Irby

I can’t wait to read your book. This is a topic that I have been convicted about. Thank you for taking the lead that God has given you!

Tara H

Great post! Thanks!

Joy C.

Thanks (as always!) for sharing your heart!

Shiloh

I can totally relate! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Jen

I started reading your book yesterday. This is so needed in our society today. I am a missionary wife living far from ‘home’. The internet world helps numb the lonliness and homesickness one can feel so far away from loved ones.

Ann S

Just found your blog and your book.. Downloaded it and can’t wait to read it! The necklace is beautiful too!!

Laura H

Wow. So very true. No matter what the “drug” is (alcohol, internet, or mine, reading!), checking out and “numbing” is still an escape from facing the moment & responsibilities.

Can’t wait to read this! What an important subject to address. Thank you for the free copy and the giveaways. Looking forward to reading here.

pinksarahh

Great post, we all have our vices. Just need to be aware of what it is…:)

Jill

I finally got the link and can’t wait to read this book. I know what it’s like to be addicted to the internet and to use it as an escape at times. I’ve recovered quite a bit, but can still fin myself being sucked in at times.

Cathy North

This really hits me right where God has been speaking to me.

Kim

This sounds like a book I need to read!

Becky Bo

Thank you for your insight.

Allison Redd

I’m the same way — — I “escape” to the computer. I’ve even had moments where my kids beg me to get off. WHY do I ever think anything is more important than them?! Thanks for your book! I look forward to reading it!

Rhonda M

Wow, I started reading because the title drew me in, then I got fish slapped by the ending. I know I spend too much time on the computer, hubby does too and dd would be on phone all day if I let her, watching funny cat videos and more. I knew it was zoning out, skipping out on responsibilities like cleaning the house and sometimes avoiding the work I should be doing on the computer, but I still didn’t get it. Here’s hoping today’s a new day. Oh and that candy game is evil and addictive, ridiculously so, so if you haven’t started playing and are even remotely competitive, DON’T.

Rindie

Can’t wait to read this…perfect timing!

Kari

Thank you for writing this

Lily George

For me, food is a drug and an addiction that I am trying to conquer.

mackenziefoust

needed this today

Cynthia Boylan

I do this! I tune out the world when I get on the internet! Thank you for sharing!

thriftymom09

thanks for the chance

Seth-Leah Biek

Thanks for this…. I think this is a battle so many mothers face every day. I know I fight this urge to escape. Thank you for being honest.

Celia Edwards-Guinn

I love this! I have to share!

Jen

Powerful thought, about the Internet being an escape mechanism.

Ann

Wow. You are so right…thank you for being so honest and for drawing that parallel. It is particularly true for me as well. Thank you for your book too!

angelaengland

Good post. I recently wrote about the challenge of someone who’s job is online to blog the living moments without killing them. I wonder if, for some, the desire to pursue an online career is the excuse to continue the addiction. I constantly heart-check myself and use my husband as a sounding board. Thank fully I’ve rooted myself in so many offline obligations that it is easy to find something REAL and tangible to do and I don’t wallow but it’s easy to sink into the EASY into of what we’re called to do. Great reminder, Sarah.

melissa

Definitely need to read this book. Off the internet now…

Lori K

Thanks for sharing. This hits home.

amy

Thanks!!

Meghan Sawdon

I am new to your blog. Everything you say is so exactly what I think and feel. A few friends and I are taking your UnWired challenge – we’re all excited!

Karen

Thanks for being so open. I know I can relate.

Lisa White

I am currently putting off preparing breakfast for my blessings to feed my own addiction to technology; your book is needed. We do have a read-aloud each evening, though. Thanks for the giveaways!

farmingfam

Can’t wait to read the book! The parallel you drew in this post – hadn’t thought about it quite like that before.

Hannah Braboy

Somehow, this just struck a chord with me. I understand about turning to the Internet when real life feels too hard to handle, and I have to remember that my strength comes from Jesus and that he offers us grace. I know he wants us to live the rich, full lives he’s given us.

SaraR

I just bought the Begin book for a friend’s son’s birthday. I really want to get it for our own family as well. A good read aloud would be such a better alternative to the crazy in my day than Twitter or Facebook!

Diana

I know! I think what I’m ‘addicted’ to is that if I think of something I want to look up, it’s hard to wait another minute to go do it. I’m always hopping up during lunch (while the little guy is contained in his seat and can’t get out), and that’s something I want to stop. I know he’s only 1, but he makes it known that he doesn’t like me being away from the table. Thank you for this!

Tammy

Escape from reality…that’s it. Can’t wait to read your book.

http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/ Mary Bonner

As always, you have gotten straight to the point. Even though my son is older, I find that it is easy to escape when things get rough. PS…I LOVE your new book! Thank you!

michelle Devine

Looks like something I need to read.

Heather Rhoades

Thank you for your thoughts on this. It’s good for me to stop and think about how I’m spending my time and what I’m using to escape.

http://gospelhomemaking.com/ Amy Clark Scheren

Can’t wait to read this book. I always struggle with feeling out of balance with my time online and my “real life”.

Hayley

Very true! Ihave been guilty of this!

Jaime

Great post. I am putting together a devotional a this is one of the things I really want to talk with ladies about.

Sonia

Looking forward to reading Unwired!

Fawn Aja Bohlken

thank you for sharing this. I know I’ve been guilty of wasting tons of time online, among other things.

cmseibel

Thank you. You touch my heart and open my eyes.

http://LadyDpiano.com/ LadyD Piano

Thanks for sharing your story. Wow… there are no words but ‘more grace’ for us all.

Apryl Mizener Yoder

WOW!! Thank you!! <3

Heather

I love how you compared you to her though it was different issues. It’s true. We think we are different because our addictions are different,but we aren’t. Love that necklace! I make jewelry also and love promoting others products. I love reading to my boys,the book looks so cute!

Tiffany

Thank you!

liz t

Yep. I am there.

Lori

I also have to be intentional about not drinking as alcoholism has been in my family for generations. If I’m not careful other things can become my “drink.” The internet, food, etc. Thank you for sharing.

ShellyBooBoo

I love your words… can’t wait to read your book! Thanks!

Heather

Pretty necklace! and I love reading to my kids, I don’t do it nearly as often as I should.

Kelli j

Thank you!

Heather Jo Adams Vincent

So true! Thanks for sharing!

Joy Vega

I never thought of the internet this way, but you described it very aptly. I love your candor!!

Donna Reeve

I just found your site. FABULOUS writing.

Janice

Downloaded the .pdf to print off and start reading tonight….away from the computer and Kindle. ;- Thanks!

Jeanna Young

Love this Sarah! What a great reminder! Blessings to you!

Beth

I think you are so right! The internet is our easy way to escape. But if not careful, it can also cause even more depression(Facebook) seeing lives that are “perfect” on the internet! This is my problem!

Gina

Your articles are such a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. All of your articles touch me, but this one pierces my heart.

agodlyhomemaker

you never cease to inspire me!

Janet

Thank you.

Katie

So good and so true! I am tired but I am going to just keep on walking, trusting that God will refresh me when I most need it. I love that necklace!!

Mary Jo

Would love the Growly book!!! And I’m loving the Unwired Mom as well 🙂

Andrea

Thank you.

Liz

Thanks for sharing this today, Sarah. It spoke to me more than you may ever know.

http://www.servingjoyfully.com/ Crystal

Yes. My dad was an alcoholic for most of my life. Until I was 15 when the drinking stopped, but the verbal/physical abuse didn’t stop until even later. I was like you, and I was determined from the age of 5 that I would NEVER drink. For me, it became food. I do believe, and science supports that some people are more susceptible to addiction. Thanks for sharing your story.

Lois

I see myself doing the same thing too — “medicating” myself with the internet.

Thanks for the wake-up call

Barefoothomeschooler

looking forward to reading your book. I need to guard my time on the internet for sure

Melissa

Thank you for sharing your story. You are amazing and beautiful in so many ways. Bless you.
I love the hearts connected necklace!

LLTwinsMama

A great testimony! I apprecaite your heart so much! Thanks for another chance to win some great things!

Renda S

Great post. Thanks.

Cassie

Cannot wait to read this book! I am in such need of backing away from the connected life and entering real life with my little ones.

melody

What an accurate description of my struggles with the internet..

esvard

Love the necklace! Thanks or the giveaway!

Laura

I love reading your blog. Thank you for being so transparent and real.

stephanie

I would love to win! I love your blog and how honest you are!

rachieannie

I so bury myself in the Internet. Definitely my crutch!

Enigmom

There is alcoholism in our family history and though my generation does not have any alcoholics I believe our addictive personality still shows – just not with alcohol, we have chosen other “more acceptable” addictions.

Vicki

Oy, I struggled with addiction and still do. I know that even though I am technically drug-free I fill in those spaces with the internet and books and tv. I can’t wait to read your book and take your challenge. Thank you, Sarah.

CW

Thanks!

http://joyfulcontentment.wordpress.com/ Elizabeth Sadosky

I’m totally relating to this…

jacquelinepresley

Encouraging to read. Both of my parents were substance abusers & I judged them harshly for it. I need to grow in grace and love.

sue

Thank you for this opportunity!

Becca

Thanks for encouraging me to not numb out on WHATEVER but be present and dependent on GOD

FosteringJoy.com

My life verse… well, one of them. =)

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to You;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5

gwennie

i’ve been thinking about just this thing lately. it’s a conscious choice i make to turn off the media and tune into my family

Rhoda

Thank you for your honesty in where you came from and where you are. As you said, it is so easy to judge others while forgetting that God will (and does) judge us. Either we start judging ourselves or God will do it for us. Have a feeling reading you new book will be a good but hard thing. Thank you for the giveaways.

Katy

Thanks for your book. I read it yesterday and it really spoke to me. Now I just need to get off for the day! 🙂

Gretchen Nelson

It’s so true. As a mom we all have our “escapes”. It’s so easy to judge others for theirs and not even think twice about our own. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

Alissa

Thank you for talking about this issue that I know so many moms are struggling with!!!!!

Rachel

So true! Thank you for writing it.

Tonia

Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you for opening my eyes to the fact that I am ‘abusing’ my daughter by drowning out the world via the Internet…thank you!

Jaci

Ah yes…the internet is totally the new drug for Moms. Thank you for your authenticity!! It is so refreshing!!

Amanda

Love the necklace. And would enjoy reading that book to my five kids!

Alicia Casalino

It’s like the internet pulls me in…away from my problems, but also away from living.

Thank you for your willingness to lay your insides on the line, Sarah Mae. The Lord has been working something good in you, and we are all very thankful you are willing to share it with us so openly.

Amanda J

Wow! This is so convicting. I can’t wait to read the book! Thank you for taking a stand on this issue!

Ashley

This is such convicting info.

megan

Wow, thanks for sharing this.

Marleah

This is definitely me. I‘m so looking forward to reading your book!

Janell Sorensen

Thank you Sarah Mae, this hit so close to home but was also such an excellent reminder! A friend shared this Spurgeon quote today & I couldn’t help but share it for all you Mama friends! Motherhood feels menial at times, but what a PRIVILEGE!!! “We…may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for the King.” -Spurgeon

http://candelierious.blogspot.com Lis

Excited to dive into this book. The prizes are great!

Sheila

Excellent article!!

Shannon T.

I LOVE that necklace! Beautiful.

I relate to the numbing and the feeling alive thru the Internet! I had to force myself to stop reading Unwired last night and go to bed! Can’t wait to pick it up again tonight!

http://www.misselaineouslife.com Elaine A.

I am working on balancing it all. It is like an addiction, for sure. I hear you on that. And I am reading you ebook and really relating…

Breanne Mosher

I sat and read your book yesterday and then closed my screen and loved on my littles. I could have (almost) written that book. I needed the encouragement to step away and find my help in Christ not instagram!! Thank-you.

Sara Robertson Klepacz

Such a great reminder!

Paige St.Laurent

I’m loving the book already! Your writing and transparency are getting to my soul too!

brittany

“It would be easy to start with a glass of wine. A little something to numb the mundane of life. Because I’m just so tired.”

but we choose not to! and that makes a world of difference.

if i numb out then i will lose so much. and i keep reminding myself that.

Gigi

Thank you!

Rachel

What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks so much!!

Kate O.

Thank you for sharing your heart and for your words. The necklace is beautiful!

Shelly Roy

Sarah Mae, Thank you so much for your transparency! I have struggled with addiction and escape and your words hit home and resound within my heart.
Shelly

Heather Hubbard

Now that two of mine are itching to get electronic time each day, I realize that I need to “practice what I preach”, so although I am online for coupons, blogging, and ebay (worthwhile in my book) I aim to be offline when their timer beeps!

Rachel V.

I love reading to my kids, NEED to do it MORE!

Sheila

I definitely identify with using the internet as a drug. By God’s grace, that will stop!

Erin

It’s comforting to know that there are other moms out there that feel this way. I’ve made a conscious choice to tune in to my family, and looking forward to reading your book!

Julie Reynolds

Loved this post! I think I hide on the internet instead of engaging in life at times also. Thank you for sharing.

This is so good…I never thought of the Internet as a drug or a method of escape…it’s a profound realization…I look forward to getting into the book!

Amy

Yes, addictions come in many forms. Thanks for sharing & the giveaways.

Carla Raley

Thank you so much for the giveaway!!

Crystal Hatley

Hard, hard, hard hitting message in this post and the ebook. One that caused me to make several DRASTIC changes already!

penneymarie

Such an important message for all of us. I read to my kids every day. My oldest 5 listen to me read aloud as our main “school” time. Their ages are 12-22. I read to my younger ones, too, but read different books to them. At times, the younger ones join in and listen to what I’m reading to the older ones. They are 9-year-old twins, a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old. Yes, I have 10 kids, all mine and my husband’s, no adopted ones, though I know that adopted children are as much your own children as birth children. The Lord blessed us with 10 from my womb. I struggle with spending too much time on the internet. I used to struggle with spending more time tutoring and homeschooling other people’s kids than paying attention to my own. Or I would read Christian fiction too much. The reading time made sure that I spent at least that time with them every day. Things got better when I started doing that. I called it “together school”. We started bonding more as a family, and it continues to strengthen our family bond.

Kathy Davis

I’d love to win the beautiful necklace and look forward to reading your ebook. This has been much on my mind lately, so very timely. In fact, I’m in the process of disconnecting from all social media and will only check email! We survived without it before everyone had a computer. Looking forward to all the newfound time I will have for myself and my daughter 🙂

http://www.newbyathome.blogspot.com/ Catie

I never would’ve articulated it this way, but I’ve also used the interest as an escape. SO looking forward to reading this book!

http://www.heartchoices.com Debbie

It can be so easy to judge others and how they deal with their emotions. But I have to admit the internet can be very tempting. Sometimes before I realize it, I’ve been online for an hour or more. And then I wonder where the time goes …

Catherine O.

Fabulous post…and a gentle reminder to be present with our kiddos even when all I want to do sometimes is shut out the world.

Debbie Ricks

You really hit home with this post! Thank you!

Mari

Great Post!!! It has been far too easy to unplug from the world around me with the internet

Rebekah

I’ve just started reading your series on umplugging, but I got my copy of your ebook yesterday. I hope to read it soon. Thank you for your openness on this subject.

Katrina

Would love to enter if your willing to post to New Zealand.

Monika

I really want to read this book with my kids…it’s not the first time I’ve read about it on a blog. I think I’ll buy it. I agree also that I need to stay off of the internet during my kids’ waking hours.

Chelsea F

So much truth…

Katherine

That is a really cute necklace!

Kelly

Glad to find your site, and if this is showing a gmail addy, plz use the same just change it to yahoo. Thank you.

Rebecca Kvenvolden

awesome giveaway! and great insight…

Rebecca Christopher

Thank you for sharing this, Sarah Mae. I am pregnant right now with my very first child … actually, no that’s not true. I had an abortion in college. But that is a completely different thing and I really appreciate all you’ve shared about your own abortion. I really want to thank you for sharing this because my father was an alcoholic and my mother was very critical … I am praying for wisdom in raising my child. Some of us were blessed with great examples of parenting. Some others of us have to rely on God’s wisdom and the love and wisdom shared by bloggers like you.

Kelly

I’m glad I found your page, thx for ur book, in case I win use the email but put in yahoo not gmail.

Serena L

Yes. That’s me with the internet.

Sonja Z

I’ve already started reading your book and it’s so good I don’t want to stop reading! I’m convicted to set certain times of the day to be on the internet that doesn’t interrupt my time with my kids. It is so easy to run to the computer instead of dealing with 2 young children. Thank you for being so honest!

Anna

I don’t know how to live my life right now, either. Thanks for putting that feeling into words.

Sarah D.

I hadn’t thought about myself using the internet as a drug… But, I am. I have three children (almost 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year) and get tired of all the diapers, dishes, everyday little things, etc. I need to step back and stay away from the internet for a while. Thanks for being human and sharing with us! =]

Jen Mc

beautiful necklace!

Kendra Fletcher

Thanks, Sarah Mae. We find ourselves in bondage easily when we shift our hope from Jesus to the gifts He’s given, don’t we?

JessicaLetchford

Thanks for sharing, Sarah Mae… am I addicted to … stuff? and do I judge others?

Julie Haldeman

I need this book! Thank you!

Tammy Mollohan

Thank you Sarah Mae for your encouraging words and challenging us to think differently. I cannot wait to ready your book!!

Kelley M. Klor

Yep. I needed this.

Kristy

Wow! Looks like a great book to read and some great giveaways, too!

Laura

I’ve never heard it compared this way before, but I agree. The internet, and technology in general, is a huge addiction problem for so many people, myself included at times.

http://www.royallittlelambs.com/ Jennifer Lambert

addiction is too easy in our society and culture. looking forward to reading and sharing the book!

Katherine Criswell

Thank you Sarah Mae for being open and honest about your Mom’s alcoholism. As a fellow daughter of an Alcoholic, I could relate to your feelings of escapism.

R dG

This is great and timely insight.

cam sasser

I would love both of these books. I relate so very, very much to your story.

jamieeaton

Thanks for the convicting post, Sarah Mae. I just returned from 5 days in Yosemite and was glad to be away from my computer/tablet. I’ve returned home to an inbox full of emails all clamoring for my attention. Time to reassess what emails are truly necessary and helpful and unsubscribe from those that aren’t. My family is certainly more important and deserving of my attention than my inbox & facebook friends.

Jennifer D

I can’t wait to check out this book. Looks great!!

Angela

Sarah Mae, we met a few months ago. I have little time to “escape” from my circumstances, as this is the most difficult time in my motherhood journey, my young son has been in the pediatric ICU for 5 months now, and as I manage his care, live in a separate county from my husband, care for my 7 yr. old, and attempt to work a meager 3 days a week…. being a mom is hard work. I have placed definate limits on my internet time, and your book “desparate” has been a place where I can rest. I am entering this giveaway, because anything to connect my family under these difficult terms is welcome. God is working in extraordinary ways throughout this, giving me support and encouragement in places I least expected it. I continue to look for him, trust in him and know that he is working for my best interest. Blessings to you, your family and your readers 🙂

Sue

I can relate totally with the title of this book

Kara

That necklace is beautiful

Julie

Thank you both for the book and the opportunity to win these lovely gifts. I’m hoping to win the necklace to gift to my eldest daughter. I *so* want to keep our hearts connected.

Julie

FYI – the word “internet” is misspelled in your link to the ebook.
I personally didn’t notice, but when I shared the link on my fb page, the very first comment I got was how unfortunate it was that the title of your book misspelled internet.
I figure if I’ve got one picky reader, there must be at least a dozen more out there.
I did point out that it isn’t misspelled on the book itself, or anywhere that I could find on the amazon listing. 🙂
Thanks for your hard work in delivering such a timely message.

Lydia

I would love to win! Your blog has been an encouragement to me. Thank you.

http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com/ Joyce (and Norm)

Thank you. My friend just told me that she deleted Candy Crush from her phone because she realized that she was ignoring her family and friends. I am so proud of her. I know that she is not the only who is stuck in this crazy cycle to ‘beat the next level’. Thank you for your book.

Bev P

Thanks for the giveaway!

Leah

I needed so badly to read this post…thank you for sharing so openly.

Jessica

Oh, I love that necklace. So beautiful.

Grandfather.

Oh POO! Just start drinking…I’ve found it helps immensly.
Love ya.

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

Dad! 😉

Lexy

What a nice giveaway! The necklace is super cute too! 🙂

Hope

The difference is that you don’t abuse your kids because you use the internet. Your mom did partially because she drank. Don’t tell yourself you’re the same. You’re not.

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For those who have ever whispered,
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